NWPM AWC--Assessment is a pause for growth and development.

research brief
Tuesday, Session 3: 1:00 - 2:30
Auditorium

Facilitated by:

• Paula Deidrich, UPWP Paula's website
• Marcia VanWolvelaere, UPWP

What we noticed on our first view of the AWC:

• 6 Traits with different labels (stance- vs- voice)
• Apply only to analytic writing?
• The language around each attribute
• Relationships among language choices

Brief Overview of the National Writing Project's Analytic Writing Continuum (AWC): The AWC was developed by the Research and Evaluation Dept. of the NWP as one part of a whole assessment system (rubric, training papers, anchor papers, and student work). The roots are in the 6+1 Traits Writing Model but since 2009 the AWC is copyrighted by the NWP as the many revisions have made it it's own entity. The NWP still gives credit to 6+1 Traits for providing a starting point upon which to grow. The NWP also developed the NWP Holistic Scoring Guide which follows the AWC language.

Modifications Made:

• The scale of the rubric was extended from four to six points
• Language defining the attributes (traits) is less ambiguous
• Focus is only on the writing, not the writer or reader
• Descriptive bullets for each attribute are threaded across score points
• Qualifying language defines what is there, not what is not there.
• Named a continuum not rubric as it is ongoing, i.e. there is a range in each of the score points

Why Provide Training in the AWC?

• Only TCs trained in the AWC can use it, "No words on paper are good enough on their own." Paul L.
• May be a cornerstone for teacher action research projects BSWP Action Research
• Allow for local site scoring conference and possible anchor paper selection
• TCs trained may be invited to an NWP Scoring Conference (at least two in 2011 planned)
• Ask a teacher to read a student's paper and they can usually tell you if it's well-written but can they explain why?

Upper Peninsula WP and Boise State WP Training:

• All training must be conducted after approval by and with the guidance of the NWP office.
• Three-days, with a prior hour or two kick-off worked well for us. I would not suggest any less than three full days.
• Agenda used at 2010 UPWP Training

How Can You Use AWC?

• Conflicted about switching from 6 Traits. Is it ok to switch only in one classroom?
• Removal of negative language
• Age appropriate-- What does it mean?-- In context